Our Lady of Turning Points

Most Marian apparitions have occurred during times of crisis, offering the world comfort and calling for change.

As the Catholic Church anticipates new leadership, I find myself drawn to Mary’s enduring presence as our spiritual compass. Her quiet strength offers wisdom for both the next pope and faithful Catholics worldwide during this time oftransition.

Mary's unique position in our faith reveals the heart of Catholic spirituality. Though never worshipped, her veneration flows naturally from her role as Theotokos—Mother of God—officially recognized at the Council of Ephesus in 431. Her “yes” at the Annunciation became the pivot point of salvation history. Later, at Calvary, Jesus entrusted his beloved disciple to her care, symbolically placing all believers under her maternal protection. Pope Paul VI formalized this relationship in 1964 by naming her “Mother of the Church,” acknowledging Mary’s continuing guidance of Christ’s body on earth.

The next pontiff will inherit significant challenges: declining attendance in Western nations, cultural tensions around doctrine, and the need for healing from past institutional failures. Mary’s example offers a compelling leadership model. She faced extraordinary hardships—from fleeing to Egypt to witnessing her Son’s crucifixion—yet remained steadfast in faith. A pope who embodies Mary’s blend of courage and tenderness could unite our divided community.

Mary’s Magnificat celebrates God’s preference for the humble and marginalized. The next shepherd would do well to embrace this perspective, continuing Pope Francis’ focus on those at society’s edges. Whether addressing refugee crises or engaging young people alienated from institutional religion, Mary’s compassionate example shows how to meet people in their struggles without judgment. A papacy grounded in this Marian approach might restore trust in the Church’s mission, demonstrating that true holiness manifests through service rather than authority.

Yet Mary also demonstrated holy boldness. At Cana, she prompted Jesus’ first miracle, confident in His transformative power. Our next pope will need similar conviction to address complex issues like synodality, women’s expanding roles in ministry, and balancing tradition with necessary adaptation. Most Marian apparitions have occurred during times of crisis, offering the world comfort and calling for change. A pope with deep Marian devotion might foster dialogue while grounding decisions firmly in Gospel values, inviting believers to unite in prayer as Mary did with the apostles before Pentecost.

Mary’s universal appeal transcends cultural boundaries. She has appeared as Our Lady of Guadalupe in Latin America, as Our Lady of Kibeho in Africa, and in countless other culturally specific manifestations worldwide. This offers a powerful symbol for a truly global Church—one that honors diverse expressions of faith while maintaining essential unity. Pope John Paul II’s profound Marian devotion fueled his extraordinary evangelization efforts. Similarly, the next pope might draw from Mary’s maternal love to proclaim Christ’s message in ways that resonate with contemporary spiritual hunger.

For everyday Catholics, Mary’s example invites active participation in this transition. Like her, we can ponder these matters deeply in our hearts while praying for the cardinal electors. We can embody Marian virtues in our communities—patience, fidelity, and hopeful perseverance—becoming beacons in an often skeptical world. The next pope will need not just our scrutiny, but our supportive engagement. Following Mary’s example means saying “yes” to God’s unfolding plan, trusting that the Church, despite human imperfections, remains Christ’s beloved.

Mary stands as the New Eve, patiently untangling the knots of division that beset the Church. As Mother of the Church, she holds our collective joys and sorrows. And as our personal mother, she whispers courage as we await new leadership. The next pope will confront a rapidly changing world, but with Mary’s guidance, he can lead with her distinctive qualities—humility, steadfastness, and grace-filled wisdom.

Perhaps the most profound Marian lesson comes from Cana, where she directs the servants to “do whatever he tells you.” In this radical obedience to Christ lies the true path to Church renewal—not through political maneuvering or cultural accommodation, but through fidelity to Jesus himself. As we anticipate a new chapter in the life of the Church, Mary’s maternal presence reminds us that the Church has weathered countless transitions before—and this will be no different.

(Dr. John Singarayar, SVD, a priest of the Society of the Divine Word from the Mumbai Province in western India, holds a doctorate in Anthropology. He contributes regularly to journals and publications focusing on sociology, anthropology, tribal studies, spirituality, and mission.)